Tributes have been paid to the former CEO of Guildford’s YMCA who has died at the age of 79.

Alex Cloke was surrounded by his family at his home when he passed away on Thursday February 18 after being diagnosed with cancer three years ago.

Mr Cloke was an engineer and designer, but his career path changed in 1983 when he responded to an advert entitled ‘Wanted - Christian businessman.’

He joined the YMCA as head of the commercial division of the National Council, with responsibility for its hotels, outdoor residential centres, development of hotels, and the running of its work with the armed forces in Germany and Cyprus.

After five years at the National Council and London Central, he was appointed at the chief executive of the Guildford YMCA.

His first task was to oversee the completion and opening of the Y Centre in Bridge Street, where his aim was to create a home with hotel standards, to give young people of Guildford a secure environment as a stepping stone to independence.

Pete Brayne, former CEO of Guildford YMCA, said: “Alex was a tour de force in the YMCA and especially in establishing the YMCA in Guildford.

“His passion, commitment and faith meant that when I took over as CEO in 2001, there was a very firm and solid foundation in place for me to build on.

“He left a wonderful legacy that will continue to impact the lives of thousands of young people for generations to come.”

After his retirement in 2001, Mr Cloke continued to be involved with the YMCA in the design of a new YMCA hostel in his home town of Horsham, which opened in 2005.

“Alex Cloke was held in high regard by his staff, and although he retired from Guildford YMCA in 2001 those who knew him and worked with him are mourning his passing,” a spokesman for the YMCA said.

“He inspired loyalty and affection among his staff, and many current and former Guildford colleagues attended his thanksgiving service.”